On to the Future
With a gracious concession speech by John Kerry, a magnanimous victory speech by George W. Bush and significant changes in Congress, the hard fought 2004 election campaign is over. A few quick thoughts:

-Many citizens on both sides became active and poured their hearts into this campaign and a record number of voters turned out. If this energy is sustained and channeled constructively, the nation will benefit immensely.

-The immense amount of vitriol directed toward President Bush by some in the Democratic Party and other interest groups (MoveOn.org, entertainment celebreties, etc.) was not rewarded with success, but with rejection. This outcome is also healthy for the nation.

-Terrorists and tyrants around the world are dealing with the prospect of facing W's courageous leadership in the world for the coming years.

-The ascendancy of 'Lifestyle Choice uber alles' is over. The prominence of life issues, the status of marriage and other social issues should cause the Democratic Party to rethink its blind obedience to Planned Parenthood's and NARAL's hardline pro-abortion agenda. The party could start by being open to a significant part of its own members who have been excluded from leadership in the Party.

-The blatant bias and manipulation of information by parts of the Old Media (NY Times, CBS, etc.), and the resulting role played by the New/Alt Media (bloggers, talk radio, Fox News etc.) will be a continuing story well beyond this election year.

-W's re-election and the Republican gains in Congress open the door to significant economic initiatives including fundamental reform of the tax system, litigation reform, etc.

-The Vision for Space Exploration will go forward. This doesn't mean the Administration and Congress will give NASA a blank check. The need to control federal spending will spur an emphasis on innovation and commercial solutions where-ever practical which will only enhance the opening of the frontier.